Contents

Overview

Anal glands are two small sacs that sit just inside a dog’s anus (bottom). They contain a strong smelling substance that gets squirted onto a dog’s poo when they go to the toilet. It is believed that this smelly substance helps a dog mark their territory.

If an anal gland becomes blocked, an infection or abscess may develop. This can be extremely painful and needs treatment by a vet.

Unless you notice a problem, anal glands don’t need to be examined or emptied. They should empty themselves when your dog goes to the toilet.

Anti-inflammatory medication

Other pain relief

Anal gland emptying

Infected anal glands may need to be emptied. If the infection is really painful or an abscess has already formed your vet may need to admit your dog into the veterinary hospital for treatment.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics may be used in some cases but aren’t always needed. Once an abscess is open to the air, bacteria usually stop growing. If the anal glands are then kept clean they will often heal themselves.

Further investigations

If the problem doesn’t go away or returns after treatment, it may be necessary to have a swab (pus sample) taken from your dog’s anal glands to help the vet decide which antibiotic is best to fight the infection.

Surgery

In rare cases, when the problem returns many times, surgery may be recommended to remove your dog’s anal glands. This is usually a last resort because surgery around a dog’s bottom is very risky - infection and complications are common.

Outlook

Most dogs recover quickly once they’ve been treated for an anal gland problem.

Some dogs need regular gland emptying to stop continuing problems. For some dogs this will be occasionally (i.e. 2 - 3 times a year), for others more regularly. Depending on the symptoms, you can discuss with your vet how regularly your dog’s anal glands need emptying.

Ongoing care

Empty only when necessary

Have your dog’s anal glands emptied by a vet or nurse as regularly as your vet suggests and book your dog in if you notice problems between appointments.

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Written by vets and vet nurses

Illustrations by Samantha Elmhurst

ABOUT PDSA

Founded in 1917 by animal welfare pioneer, Maria Dickin CBE, PDSA is the UK’s leading veterinary charity. Operating through a UK-wide network of 48 Pet Hospitals, PDSA provides low cost and free veterinary care to the sick and injured pets of people in need and promotes responsible pet ownership